Luther coach putting emphasis on line play

Luther football coach Mike Durnin says improvement for the Norsemen this season will begin up front. Luther finished the 2010 season with a 5-5 record, including a 4-4 finish in the Iowa Conference race.

Durnin says a big part of what they are doing is emphasizing the importance of winning in the trenches. Plenty of experience returns but one area of concern for Durnin is a new secondary on defense. He says they graduate five guys, but do have some guys with playing experience back and they still need to build chemistry.

Four-year starter Chris Reynolds returns at quarterback as does All-American linebacker Kyle McGivney, who set a division three national record a year ago by recording 198 tackles. He says Reynolds may not do that again, but he says he has a strong runningmate that will help.

Durnin says the Norse will need to be improved to climb the ladder in the Iowa Conference race Luther opens the season September third at St. Olaf of Minnesota.